Quality of life in Brazilian elderly: an analysis of healthy aging from the perspective of Potter's global bioethics

Glob Bioeth. 2021 Aug 19;32(1):116-129. doi: 10.1080/11287462.2021.1966975. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of Life (QOL) is essential for healthy aging and through the WHOQOL-Old, it is possible to analyze factors that increase vulnerability and reduce QOL. Aligned with healthy aging is Potter's global bioethics proposing expanded ethics and social justice.

Objective: To analyze the QOL of Brazilian elderly from the perspective of Potteŕs global bioethics.

Method: Analytical observational research with a quantitative approach composed of 280 Brazilian, aged 60 or over, of both gender, volunteers, who answered the WHOQOL-Old online.

Result: Global score of 77.9%, with the mean ± standard deviation: Functioning of the senses 86% (17.22 ± 2.80); Autonomy 78.5% (15.7 ± 2.60); Past, present, and future activities 77.3% (15.46 ± 2.34); Social participation 74.9% (14.99 ± 2.62); Death and dying 71.6% (14.33 ± 3.88) and Intimacy 79.1% (15.82 ± 2.82).

Conclusion: Elderly perceived their QOL positively. In the quest to promote healthy aging, it is necessary to broaden the vision for social justice proposed by Potteŕs global bioethics.

Keywords: Quality of life; bioethics; elderly; global bioethics‌; healthy aging.